A same-sex marriage bill passed in the Maryland House of Delegates on Friday evening.

The bill received 72 votes from state delegates (a minimum of 71 votes was needed), while 67 delegates voted against the bill, The Washington Post reported.

The state Senate, which voted in favor of the bill last year, is expected to pass the bill again this year, "all but assuring the measure will be sent to Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) for his promised signature," The Post reported.

The senate will likely debate the bill next week, The Baltimore Sun reported.

However, "opponents are widely expected to launch a petition drive that could give Maryland voters the final say on the November ballot," The Post added.

Seven other states currently allow same-sex marriage.

For the full story and the breakdown of how local representatives voted, read Colesville Patch.